The huge salaries Formula 1 drivers earn in 2026, a business worth US$3 billion annually
The roaring sound of engines and tires scraping the asphalt at speeds exceeding 380 kilometers per hour (graining) will be seen and heard again...
TL;DR
- Formula 1 sponsorship spending is projected to exceed US$3 billion in 2026.
- Max Verstappen leads driver salaries with approximately US$70 million annually.
- Lewis Hamilton is second with around US$60 million, potentially reaching US$100 million with bonuses.
- Charles Leclerc follows with an estimated US$34 million per season.
- Technology companies are major investors, contributing approximately US$565 million.
- New partnerships include Meta with Mercedes and Anthropic with Williams.
- Team main sponsorship is a significant commercial asset, exceeding US$500 million in spending.
- The 2026 season begins in Melbourne, Australia, on March 6-8.
- The championship will feature 24 Grands Prix, concluding in Abu Dhabi.
- The Australian Grand Prix will proceed despite logistical adjustments due to Middle East geopolitical tensions.